Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
“Go back inside. Find your cousin and have a good time. We’ll worry about all this some other time.”
“Josh, is she safe?”
“Yes.”
“Then I don’t want to tell her until all this blows over. If she’s angry with me, I’ll deal with it. I’d rather have her angry at me than in danger.”
He pecks my lips. “Go inside. I’ll be back in a bit.”
I nod and head back into the hall. I walk past Jeff and give him a little wave. That’s when I see Achilles. He’s standing off to the side with his attention on his phone. I’ve been wanting to ask him about Vernice’s laptop.
“Shawna,” my mother calls my name, stopping me from making a beeline for Achilles.
I shrug it off and go to see what she wants. I guess since this is a wedding, I can ask him another time.
Chapter 59
Birthday Season
Shawna
A month later…
“Don’t move,” Josh says as he holds me against his chest from behind.
My sex is throbbing. It’s his birthday and we’ve been having birthday sex all morning. I spent the night here last night, something I don’t do too often. Josh is so serious about keeping us a secret to keep me safe.
From what? I couldn’t tell you because, as always, I’ve been burying my head in the sand. I love our routine. I spend my evenings at the center with the kids after school. If Josh is in town, he either comes to my place, or Linus escorts me here and back to mine.
“Fine, but I need a break,” I laugh.
He kisses my shoulder. “No problem. I just want to hold you and talk. It feels like we haven’t been spending enough time together. How are you, baby? You need anything?”
“I’m good. I’m going to buy a new laptop.”
“What happened to yours?”
“I gave it to Vernice. Something is wrong with hers.”
“You didn’t have to do that. Why didn’t you guys tell me?”
“You’ve had so much on your plate. It’s no big deal.”
He kisses the back of my head and gives me a squeeze. “I’ll get you both new ones. From now on, I don’t care what’s going on. If you guys need something, tell me.”
I smile and turn to face him. My smile grows as I reach to run a hand through his hair. It’s so long now.
I’ve noticed he hasn’t done anything about his roots in months. He keeps it in a man bun more often than not. This morning it’s loose and all over the place.
“Have you decided what you’re doing for True’s birthday?” I ask.
“He wants to record in a New York City studio. You know, one where the legends have recorded before.”
“That sounds so cool. We have to make that happen for him.”
He runs a hand down my side and gives my butt a squeeze. “Happy to hear you say that. I want to make it a family trip. We’re all going to New York. I’ve booked him a twenty-four-hour session and I have a songwriter coming in to do a few hooks for him.”
“He’s going to love that, babe.”
“Yeah, I know. When we get back, his new car will be waiting.”
“The BMW or the Mercedes?”
“I went with the Mercedes.”
“Sweet. Have you heard anything else from their dad? Is he going to sign?”
He frowns. “No,” he says curtly.
I still don’t understand why the man won’t just sign the papers. He doesn’t want them. He’s made that abundantly clear. I wish there was more I could do.
Josh’s phone rings and he turns to reach for it. “Damn, I forgot I was supposed to meet up with Jeff.”
“I think it’s sweet that he’s been teaching True how to drive.”
“He’s a good guy once you get to know him.”
He shoots off a text and tosses his phone back down. I squeal when he pounces and tugs me back under him. He takes my lips in a deep kiss.
“I want to get lost in you one more time,” he croons, his eyes sparkling.
“It’s your birthday, do with me as you want, my love.”
“Say a less.”
Kelex
I open the gift Jeff hands me as True heads to the fitting room with a few pairs of jeans. The car and the studio are just part of his birthday gift. I plan to spoil him all week until his big day.
“I can’t believe he’s sixteen,” Jeff says.
“I know. I remember the day we met. He was this cute toothless kid.”
He’s a great kid and I’m proud of him. His grades have been amazing, and he’s been taking on more responsibilities, like volunteering at the center to help some of the younger kids.
“Yeah. Well, I bet you didn’t think you were on your way to being Daddy Warbucks back then.”
“Whatever, shut up.” I shake my head and take the ring out of the gift box. I put on the gold two-finger ring and nod. It’s nice.